Entomopathogenic organisms: Host-pathogen interactions

The management strategy of wood attacked by wood-eating insects has been until now by the application of insecticidal products used as biocides and/or repellents, or using physical treatments. This paper describes the use of entomopathogenic organisms (viruses, bacteria, fungi and nematodes), normally used in agricultural systems, in order to study their possible transfer to wood-decay insects.
The pathogenesis of these organisms in the process of infection in insects is described, as well as the defense mechanisms of the insect to combat the infection.
The final objective is the search for eco-sustainable alternatives that help eliminate the most common pests found in the degradation of wood such as termites or beetles (woodworms or longhorn beetles).